West Ham forward Andriy Yarmolenko offers to fight Ukrainian pundit that criticised him

The 28-year-old has fighting experience from his youth

West Ham forward Andriy Yarmolenko has expressed his desire to fight Ukrainian pundit and commentator Wladimir Kobelkov after apparent criticism of his form.

The Hammers hit form against Everton, Chelsea and Manchester United after losing their opening four matches, and Yarmolenko has had a key role in these performances. He scored in wins over Everton and United, but this hasn’t stopped him receiving criticism back home.

Yarmolenko was off colour in West Ham’s defeat against Brighton, where he was brought off with around 20 minutes to go, and has responded to one pundit’s comments by offering to fight him.

Andriy Yarmolenko hit form after a tough start (PA)

“In my youth, I fought a lot,” Yarmolenko told Xsport. “There was wins and there were losses. It’s normal for a boy, for a man.

“I want to announce my next fight,” he added. “I don’t want to listen to that Kobelkov any longer. I want to call him out for a fight and get my revenge on all those things he’s said on air. I’m waiting for an answer.”

The winger is part of Ukraine’s squad to face Italy in a friendly then host the Czech Republic in their Uefa Nations League League B match.

“I said at the start that Andriy needs a few weeks to get used to playing in the Premier League,” said Manuel Pellegrini of Yarmolenko’s start at West Ham.

“He has a lot of quality, we know that, but in this league you can’t just play with quality. You need pace and be prepared tactically to be an important part of the game.

“He demonstrated against Everton that it was the correct moment. He did it very well. After this performance, we must demand him to give more, because he’s able to be a top player for us.”